Girls Participating in Sports in Record Numbers

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Among the other problems:

• Girls' participation rates in all types of physical activities consistently lag behind those of boys, and girl's dropout rates are higher.
• Girls' athletic experiences are shaped by the quality and expertise of adults who organize and supervise sports. However, many of those adults have minimal, if any, formal training.
• Outdated stereotypes of femininity and masculinity continue to affect girls' participation in physical activity.

"The United States as a whole -- from parents and coaches to school administrators and community leaders to policy makers -- needs to make a commitment to eliminating the barriers girls in this nation face when it comes to engaging in sports and physical activity. Physical activity is not an 'add-on' but rather is a core value and principle for healthy and effective living," Mary Jo Kane, director of the Tucker Center, said in a prepared statement.

More information

The Nemours Foundation has more about children and exercise.